codamedia

This feature was introduced with firmware 2.8 so you need to make sure your Helix is up to date (2.82 as of this post). The preset mentioned above will not be there if it the firmware is older, or if you didn't update the presets with the firmware. Heed all instructions, including those that tell you to make a backup of your existing presets/setlists!

Catalina is rather new and the XT is rather old. I don't see any software available in the download area that is compatible for both, but that doesn't mean (for certain) that older versions won't work. EG: I know several of the Windows 7 versions work with Windows 10. I also keep an old Windows 7 desktop for pesky "old duties". They can be had for dirt cheap ($25 - $50) and will run old software forever. Every now and then I need to connect something archaic for various reasons, and it never lets me down :)

yes there is a hidden control.... Global > Midi/Variax > Variax On/Off (it was off, now it is on) Found it, things work fine!

Am I missing something, or is the VDI port on my XT Live as good as dead? The back story.... I have an old Variax 300.... and it works fine (with limitations) with my Helix LT. The other day I picked up a used XT Live with the intent of using it as a backup for my Helix, and as an interface for the Variax to Workbench on the computer. The XT Live is in showroom condition... everything works with no issues at all. Switches, knobs and buttons all respond 100%, USB works fine, etc... etc... The VDI port still had it's rubber cap, and when I removed that the connection looked pristine... there are no broken or bend pins, and they look spotless (no dust, dirt, grime, etc...) Plug in my Variax.... "no variax detected" is the only message I get when I scroll to the Variax screen on the XT Live. Cleaned the pins (carefully) with a q-tip and cleaner.... same problem Connect to Monkey when connected to the XT Live .... it only see's the XT Live, not the Variax Connect to Monkey when connected to the Helix.... Monkey can see the Variax fine... NOTE: Just a reminder of step 1.... The same cables work fine with the Helix LT. The Variax gets power, generates sound, and even changes presets when told. Am I missing something that needs to be done on the XT to get the VDI port working, or does it appear to be dead?

FWIW... the input impedance and noise gate on the guitar input are pretty much useless on a mic preamp or mixer.... so I would keep that input for instrument use. Not to mention... a return can also be set for LINE level, which is probably better for most mixers and even some mic pre-amps. Other than that... congrats on solving your problem. Adding a small mixer, or a mic pre is often a viable solution for the LT that costs much less than the upgrade to the Floor.

This is just personal preference. Some like the "amp in the room" sound and a PowerCab might be best for this as @rd2rk is outlining. Others may want an FRFR such as the Headrush (or many other options) so they hear their sound similar to the FOH, but still separate so they have better control of what they hear. Then there are users like myself.... give me the FOH and Monitor (fold back) any day, every day. Even when I used to use amps they were kept fairly quiet, were miced up, and fed back to me through my monitor. My preference (#3) does have a caveat attached though. It only works well when the gear meets a certain quality. The FOH and monitors need to meet a standard, and separate monitor mixes are a must. When requirements are not met, I have a Yorkville powered wedge/speaker to get me through those gigs.... in other words, I'm not against sliding back to option #2 when I have to. No right, no wrong... find what works for you and run with it.

You can't move it to the 2nd path, but you can copy it to the 2nd path. I'm not sure if that is possible on the unit itself, but it is possible using HX Edit.

FYI: I never took it as such... no harm done :)

^^^ This ^^^ is the heart of the problem/question. Instrument level into the amp.... almost always! The amp should have specs on it's effect loop stating what level it is. If it doesn't, assume it's line. Quick test.... if you have a stomp box (regular old pedal) put it in the loop. If it works as expected, it's instrument level. If it's distorted or just too hot in general... it's line level. Instrument vs line. They are just pre-defined levels! Every SEND/RETURN/LOOP block on the HX has level controls along with the general instrument/line settings. Use those to compensate as required. (hint: If you add 12db - 20db to an instrument send, it's in line level territory.... this also works in reverse to take line level to instrument level) Set your initial "UNITY" with no effects turned on other than the Send/Return/Loop. Get that right to begin with before adding any effects. Now work one effect at a time. They all have level controls for a reason - if it's too hot, turn it down. If it's too quiet, turn it up! USUALLY, the effect should be the same volume as when it is bypassed (give or take a little). Repeat for every block in the chain! That might sound like a lot of work, but it really isn't any different than pedals. You don't take a pedal out of a box and use it regardless of settings. You adjust it to your needs, and that includes the level control. Don't just insert a block and accept the default settings as they are.

There are no factory IR's pre-loaded in the Helix. There is a free set you can download from Line 6 called the Allure Pack (https://line6.com/allure/) but those are not pre-installed. If you bought a used Helix that came with a bunch of IR's and did a full reset.... those are gone unless the original owner wants to transfer them to you - which may or may not be in violation of purchase policy.

Two years in the HX family for me (6 months on an HX effects, then 1 1/2 years on the LT)... I feel the same way. As a multi-instrumentalist the Helix is a dream come true. I've got presets for all my instruments.... tele, strat, les paul, variax, mandolin, acoustic, nylon string, banjo, dobro, pedal steel. Since everything is carefully prepared and pre-mixed it all heads down one line to the FOH/Monitors. As complicated as my set up can appear, it is stupid simple at a gig and has never sounded better! As for cancelled gigs.... last weekends shows were cancelled on route, the rest of March is cancelled and now most of April is gone! It's going to be a tough road ahead!

Well I'll be.... I honestly didn't know the Firehawk had a VDI port, probably because I was never interested in a Firehawk. My comment was based on what I saw in the XT/X3/HD series... but I was obviously mistaken.

Mic Studio Tube Pre > LA Studio Comp Those two should get you really close, really fast! (note: the Studio tube pre is found under "Preamp > Mic ") I would throw a parametric EQ before or after the comp... and use that to shape the tone as required, but the initial two blocks should provide the character/color you are looking for.

Sorry about that... you are correct. I'm not sure how that happened, but I have removed it to avoid any confusion for future readers. I knew that was Randino... I just never noticed the wrong user tagged to the quote.

I am sure this would be unintentional... aka, a bug. The vast majority of users likely leave the colors (for snapshots) in their default setting and would never notice this. I'd suggest you open a ticket with Line 6 and outline the problem as you did here. If they can confirm the problem they will likely slip the fix into a future update.

At home I run my Helix through studio monitors. On stage I run direct to FOH and monitor myself though the provided monitor system, always with my own separate mix. If I don't trust (or don't like) the monitors I carry my own FRFR and run that on stage. In all cases I use it through full range boxes, not through a standard guitar amp.

Just assuming it will work with your amp does not make it the fault of Line 6 that it doesn't. The manual clearly states 2 warnings with the EXT amp control. ---------------------------------------- IMPORTANT! The Helix device's ability to control external amp channel and/or reverb switching has been tested with many popular amps and heads. Unfortunately this does not guarantee compatibility with all products. Note that, depending on the circuitry of the channel switching jack in the guitar amp used, the EXT Amp function may not operate as expected. IMPORTANT! Connect EXT AMP 1/2 only to amplifiers that utilize "shortto-sleeve" footswitch inputs. Connecting to any other sort of input could cause permanent damage to both your amp and Helix! If you're not sure if your amp has short-to-sleeve inputs, contact the manufacturer ----------------------------------------

Marketplace is a proprietary format... and if L6 doesn't list the Power Cab as compatible, that pretty much says it all! When you buy IR's through the company that makes them, they come in a variety of formats, sample rates, etc, etc... When you buy IR's through Marketplace they will only work on the device they were intended!

With your Helix connected to a computer, you need to import it through HX Edit. If that sounds foreign to you... then your Helix is likely due for an update as well... and my preset won't load unless you are on 2.82. You may have to enter in the values manually... they are pretty much as I laid them out.

That is certainly an option for some people, as long as you don't require any of the features the POD Go is missing. EG: Variax support, midi support, mic input, etc...

Earlier you mention having a Variax, but didn't say which generation. If it's an older Generation (500, 300, 600, 700) you need to know that the LT will not act as an interface for Workbench with those models. Also - although it generally will work fine, there are some "quirks" between the older generation and the Helix you need to be aware of. BUT - that's a different topic altogether :)

Hmmmm... same request, two usernames? I'm getting confused :) IMO... that's a beautiful tone. This is what I would do.... Strat Bridge Pickup (w/fresh strings.... you can hear that clearly at the end of the clip) Fender Twin Model (double normal) Bring the drive back to about 3 Highs around 3 Lows around 5 or 6 set the mids around 6 or 7 Insert the TILT EQ and set the TILT to DARK 60 (this simulates moving the mic closer to the edge of the speaker) (Optional)... Simple delay with a 400ms delay time, 2-3 repeats, keep the mix low, around 15%. For Reverb, just insert the '63 Spring and leave it as is. LA Studio Comp at the end of the chain... just inserting it will bring out the desired flavor, but I would also roll the gain back to about 5. The majority of the tone is how he picks, and his subtle use of the tremolo bar on the guitar! He's a master! Attached is a quick preset based on the settings I mention above. Keep in mind this was made in Native, with MY STRAT which is a '62 re-issue. You may have to adjust for your gear a little! EDIT TO ADD: Although I used a Fender Twin model for the amp, I am pretty sure Hank plays VOX amps... I'm just more comfortable dialing in the Fenders. Hank Marvin.hlx

Keep in mind, I'm in Canada... and therefore CAD currency. I listed it for $120 firm (1/2 price in Canada) and got that. It was a year old, used on over 100 shows, but still in good condition. It was included with my purchase of an LT so I didn't lose any money. Congrats on your new purchases... hope it all works out for you!

I believe the self calibration is on the first use of the pedal after it is started.... so I make sure that is always a full 100% sweep! I have no idea if this will help or not... but I always perform this ritual when I start my Helix. Set the pedal in the full "heel down" position on start up. (heel down without any pressure... just it's natural resting spot) Once the Helix starts, rock it all the forward (toe down), then all the way back (heel down)... one time Now load your desired preset and see how it responds.

IMO.... Rule #1 with MIDI is to turn off OMNI and set each device to a discrete midi channel. That gives you control of what you want, when you want, without any surprises.